This is an article about the popular souks in Dubai

There are two ways of shopping in Dubai: You can either splurge in the world's best shopping malls, or you can bargain your way through the traditional Dubai markets, which are more commonly known as souks.

Dubai plays an important role in international trades thanks to its strategic position

Sikkat al-Khail Rd - the center of all the major souks in Dubai

There are many souks in Dubai selling similar items with similar prices, and they are set apart only by location and size. These souks are especially popular among tourists from the Gulf (you know, those who are actually there to shop) while others, like myself, are only there because they are on the attraction list.

Below is a list of the most popular souks in Dubai and how you can get there:

Popular Souks in Dubai

Gold Souk

The gold souks in Dubai are globally acclaimed. Taking a walk through one of these souks will give your senses a rather pleasing stroke (even if it means going home empty-handed). Rows after rows of narrow alleys are lined with shops selling innumerable grades of golds and precious ornaments, and the sight of the twinkles and sparkles from the display window will leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Psst. It is said that there are approximately 10 tons of gold sold at any given time in this souk.

How to get to Gold Souk
There are three options:
i.   By bus: 10-minute walk from the Deira bus station
ii.  By train: Stop at Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
iii. By boat: Hop onto an abra from Bur Dubai across the creek

Gold Souk in Deira. The Perfume Souk is also located here.

Diamonds. Gold. Diamonds on gold.

Spice Souk

Food in the Middle East is smothered in colorful, fragrant spices. Located just across the Gold Souk in Deira, tourists can find fresh spices conveniently packed in pouches, ready for them to take home.

Spice Souk in Dubai

You can find almost any kind of spice here, from cinnamon to cardamon, saffron to sumac. Stocks are constantly replenished by freight from neighboring countries such as India, Pakistan, and Iran. Immerse yourself in the exotic aromas while watching the locals bargaining persistently, as friendly vendors showcase their best possessions.

This is an article about Jumbo Stay Hostel, Arlanda Stockholm

“You need to spend a night at Jumbo Hostel when you land in Stockholm. It’s really cool!”

Jumbo Stay Hostel, Arlanda

Common area/cafe

F&B sold on-board

The aisle/entrance to the rooms

Escape plan. Sorry, there isn't a demonstration by the stewardess

Spanking clean washrooms

How to Get to Jumbo Stay Hostel Arlanda

This is an article about The Nest Underground, Petaling Jaya

The Nest Underground, the latest vape cafe and lounge in Petaling Jaya

Inside the Nest Underground: A mini cinema!

Inside the Nest Underground: The chill-out section

Comprehensive selection of juices, devices, and accessories

New to vaping? This is the perfect place to go to!

Eric guiding my friend through the setup

Juice-tasting!

Jeffri and Zac, a.k.a the big bosses. Say hi if you ever see them there!

Screw squarish tanks - pick something that stands out :P

Café Clon

Vietnamese Pizza - imagine otak-otak wrapped in rice paper.

Seafood Tom Yam Carbonara. Generous portion of seafood!

Yummy juices

Complimentary sago dessert - available until Malaysia day only!

• Closing time is 10pm on weekdays and 12am on weekends as of now, but it will soon be extended.
• Cigars are sold here, and shisha will be next to be introduced to the Nest Underground. Long story short, this place is a haven for smokers of all kinds ;)

How to get to Café Clon

How to get to the Nest Underground

This is an article entitled Delicious Turkish Food to Try in Istanbul

Oh Turkey, how I've missed you....r food!

If you have read my previous post on Turkey, you should know by now how deeply, madly, and crazily in love I am with Turkish food. It did not matter if I was dining at a posh restaurant or by the streets, I was constantly wowed by the mouthwatering flavors that came with the meals.

The following is a list of the food I've tried which I think is worthy of a mention, regardless of the price range:

Delicious Turkish Food to Try in Istanbul

 

Try the kebabs. ALL of them

There are at least 30 different types of kebabs available in Turkey. Whichever direction you turn to face, you will see the juiciest, fattest stacks of meat being roasted to perfection on vertical rotisseries. And the smell, oh the smell - you will find yourself dancing merrily amid the fragrance. Accompanied with fresh tomatoes, onions, parsley, french fries, and traditional homemade condiments, this overly common roadside snack is both delicious and cheap.

Price starts from 5TL

Döner kebab

Adana Kebap - with grilled vege, fries, rice, AND bread

Dürüm - this one from Dürümzade, as approved by Anthony Bourdain

Lamb plate

Islak Hamburgers

Also known as wet burgers, the Islak hamburgers are cheap, fast (readily prepared and incubated in glass-lined steamers), and very tasty. Burgers are dunked in some sort of a tomato-based sauce and then steamed in order to achieve that wet, warm and yummy outcome.

Price starts from 3TL

Islak burgers in Istanbul

Pide

Pide (pronounced pee-dE) comes with choices of toppings similar to those of pizzas, but its base is made using flat-bread and is baked in stone ovens.

Prices start from 3TL

My 15 TL pide. Still worth it.

 

 

Manti

My absolute favorite food in the whole of Turkey? Manti.
These little dumplings (also known as Turkish raviolis) are magical. Small sheets of dough wrappers are meticulously stuffed with the best spiced lamb/beef, and are either boiled or steamed. They are then graciously and generously topped with garlic yogurt, spice-infused olive oil, sumac, chili flakes (optional), and fresh mint leaves for that unreservedly delectable taste.

According to locals, the smaller the size of the manti, the more skillful the cook. It can also be used as an indicator for in-laws to gauge if a girl knows her way around the kitchen.

Prices start from 10TL

What I'd do to taste this again..

Turkish manti

Mozaik Pastası

Heading out for a cup of coffee? Order a slice of the Turkish mosaic cake as well! While it isn't really to my liking (too dry and hard IMO), this dessert is well-known throughout the country. If it has a rich texture and looks pretty in pictures, why not?

Price starts from 3TL

Turkish Mosaic Cake

Simit/Gevrek

These Turkish bagel-lookalikes are bread rings commonly encrusted with seeds of all kinds. It could be white or black sesames, poppy, flax, or my favorite - sunflower seeds. Available everywhere.

Price starts from 1TL

I always had one of these in my bag while traveling in Turkey

Turkish Ice-Cream

Nothing special, really, but soooo good when eaten under the hot, brutal Turkish sun. Remember to try these flavors: Pistachio, pomegranate, honey, or sade.

Price starts from 2TL

Ice-cream in Turkey

Midye Dolma

Introducing my next favorite food - Stuffed mussels. These mussels are filled with aromatic rice before being boiled in spiced broth. The vendor will squeeze a generous amount of lemon juice onto the rice before serving it. Simple, and so very delicious.

Price: 1TL/2 small mussels, 1TL/big mussel

Turkish mussels

Toasts and Sandwiches

The sandwiches that I've had in Asia are mostly pathetic (they taste and look so), which was why I never bothered ordering one while I was in Turkey. However, I've learned that they are a very common and popular choice of fast food here so I've decided to give them a try. I was hooked ever since. The panini-style toasts and thick salami slices are definitely worth the hype.

Prices starts from 3TL

Salami sandwich

Salami toast

Homemade Dishes

It isn't easy finding a stall selling homemade dishes, but the effort is worth it. They are definitely the most tasty, authentic, and (unusually) cheap.

Price starts at 2TL per dish

Pilav and an assortment of dishes

Desserts

No one is ever too full for dessert. Desserts in Turkey can be found on every street and coffee bar. I personally find that the desserts here are overly sweet, but thousands of other tourists beg to differ.

Price starts at 2T

Baklava in Turkey

Ekmek kadayıfı - I gave up after two bites. It's basically just sugar in a fancy shape.

There are many other delicious food to try in Turkey, so making time for it is a must!

For other related posts you might be interested in, click here.

This is an article entitled What It's Like Inside a Capsule Hotel

While traveling in China, I have unexpectedly chanced upon a capsule hotel which is both cheap and conveniently located near a metro station. I've spent a night in a capsule and the experience was pretty exciting.

The idea behind capsule hotels or kapuseru hoteru originated from Japan (a.k.a. the world's most innovative country). It features a large number of compact capsules to make it possible to provide guests with a cheap and basic overnight accommodation. I find this very useful for solo travelers for it comes with the much needed privacy and comfort.

Soft, plushy pillows and duvets

Also comes with in-capsule entertainment. Great selection of movies!

Mine even comes with four different type of cool lighting

Common features of a capsule hotel:

Inside a capsule:

• Safe box (most budget hotels do not even have this)
• Entertainment: Movies/Music + earphones
• Mirror
• Lighting (top, back, TV, mirror, reading)
• Cup holder
• Toiletries - Slippers, soap, towels etc

Toiletries are usually provided in capsule hotels

Others:

• Locker
• Common area
• Large communal bathing areas with hair dryers etc
• Complimentary PC and WiFi usage
• Separate sections for female and males

Remember to drop by a capsule hotel when you have the chance. There are many choices available on Booking.com to suit your preference and travel destination!